Description
An impeccably crafted drama of political intrigue that could have been torn from todays headlines, The Contender boasts remarkable performances from superb actors interpreting a marvelous script. Joan Allen earned a well-deserved Academy Award nomination in her impassioned portrayal of a U.S. senator whose vice presidential ambitions are threatened by sordid allegations about her college life. Jeff Bridges (also Oscar nominated), portrays the embattled president, wounded politically by the scandal involving his nominee. And Gary Oldman is first-rate as Allens accuser, a canny senator from the opposition party who is an experienced Washington infighter. Not so long ago, the depiction of such an incendiary situation might have been dismissed as florid melodrama, but recent history demonstrates that these things can and do happen. Director Rod Lurie reinforces the yarns authenticity with scrupulous attention to detail, not only in the physical replication of governmental settings but in the depiction of behind-the-scenes political wrangling as well. Almost hypnotically fascinating, The Contender employs barn burner speeches, bravura performances, and a surprise denouement with extraordinarily compelling results.
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